Idaho’s first significant snowstorm to hit this week as ski resorts approach opening dates
There are still a couple of weeks left until ski season starts in Idaho, but it’s looking like the slopes will have a fresh layer of snow for skiers and snowboarders.
The first significant winter storm of the season is set to blow through Idaho this week, dropping up to 10 inches of snow at the higher peaks and around 2 inches in the mountain valleys.
Most of the snow will occur above 5,000 feet, according to the National Weather Service in Boise. For reference, Boise sits at 2,704 feet, and the base of Bogus Basin is at 5,800 feet, while the summit is at 7,600 feet. Tamarack Resort, another popular Idaho resort, is 4,900 feet at its base and 7,700 feet at the summit.
Here's the morning view from Tamarack. This will look much different tomorrow as a significant storm system approaches the area. Snow levels down to 5000 ft will bring several inches of snow (perhaps over a foot at the peaks) to the mountains, and primarily rain on valley floors. pic.twitter.com/VHdR2A0owp
— NWS Boise (@NWSBoise) October 24, 2023
Fortunately, the higher snow ceiling means any drive through Idaho’s main mountain corridors will remain relatively snow-free.
Temperatures will be about 15 degrees below average in Boise this week, according to Weather Service meteorologist Anna Lindeman, and up to half an inch of rain could fall.
“Low temperatures will fall below freezing in Boise by this weekend,” Lindeman said in an interview. “A 30% chance Friday morning and 60% chance Saturday morning, bringing in the first widespread freeze of the year for the lower valley.”
The low temperature in Boise on Friday night into Saturday morning is 28 degrees, and the Weather Service predicts a 20% chance of snow showers early in the day.
When do Idaho’s ski resorts open?
While Boise’s higher peaks will experience their first major snowfall of the season this weekend, it isn’t truly winter in Idaho until the ski resorts open. Here’s what to expect for the opening dates of the Gem State’s best ski resorts:
November
Brundage Mountain Resort - No opening date has been announced, but Brundage opened for Thanksgiving last year. The resort is also hosting a “Pray for Snow Party” at the Ponderosa Center in McCall.
Grand Targhee Resort - Opens all winter operations Nov. 17.
Kelly Canyon Resort - Plans to open all winter operations on Nov. 25.
Pomerelle Mountain Resort - Opens winter operations on Nov. 25.
Schweitzer - A tentative opening date of Nov. 24, conditions permitting. This is the day after Thanksgiving.
Silver Mountain Resort - Skiing, snowboarding and tubing operations open on Nov. 24. Silver Mountain also hosts a Halloweekend event on Oct. 28 and a ski swap on Oct. 28-29.
Sun Valley Resort - Bald Mountain will open on Thanksgiving, Nov. 23. Sun Valley is also hosting a “Pray for Snow Party” at River Run Lodge and Plaza on Nov. 11.
December
Bogus Basin Mountain Recreation Area - Ski lift and slope opening dates are TBD, but full winter operations typically begin in early December. The 2022 season started slightly earlier, on Nov. 24.
Rotarun Ski Area - Confirmed opening date of Dec. 16.
Pebble Creek Ski Area - Projected opening date of Dec. 2.
Soldier Mountain - Projected opening date of Dec. 16.
Tamarack Resort - No opening date solidified, but the 2022 season started on Dec. 9. Tamarack will receive its first snow of the year from this week’s snowstorm.
